Serious flooding and property damage is possible as this spring with a quick spring runoff heavy snowfall melts into spring run-off warn Ministry of Natural Resources staff.
MNR technicians are no longer supervising dams controlling levels of dozens of lakes and rivers in the Sudbury area. They have withdrawn their services in protest to the Ontario Government’s refusal to negotiate a new labour contract.
Although dam operation is identified as an emergency service in the essential service agreement, no one is monitoring water levels at this time. MNR technicians will only perform this emergency service when flooding is predicted or is taking place. At this time, no preparations for the spring runoff are taking place (such as removal of snow from area dams, maintenance of equipment or cleaning logs from spillways). Furthermore, staff is not undertaking pre-emptory flood prediction.
In the Sudbury area, residents, cottage owners and tourist operators on Lakes Penage and Nepewassi are asked to be especially vigilant. The deteriorating condition of the dam at the former and the small margin for level variations at the latter are causes for concern.
People who have concerns about flooding are urged to contact their local Ministry of Natural Resources office.
For further information contact:
Denis Boyer (705) 698-0211
Frank Pagnucco (705) 560-6803
